Addressing Cyber Vulnerabilities Through Deterrence

The study analyses the possible responses to cyber-attacks through cyberspace deterrence. The inundated cyber-attacks have prompted major powers to establish cyber deterrence. However, in the absence of a model of punishment, as it is empirically found in the nuclear domain, the efficacy of cyber deterrence is limited. The model of punishment against cyber-attacks is based on the traditional nuclear deterrence model, which is either deterrence by denial or deterrence by punishment. Cyber deterrence may not be a replica of traditional deterrence and give similar response measures in a cyber-attack. The assured retaliation in cyber requires an explanation of response measures that do not cause collateral damage. The paper concludes that cyber aggressors escaped retaliation due to the lack of attribution and not being punished due to limited retaliatory measures.